Gluten-Free Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Name: Gluten-Free Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 small head of cauliflower (cut into florets); 1/2 cup chickpea flour; 1/2 cup water; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/2 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce; 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for healthy, low-carb snacks or appetizers, start here. These Gluten-Free Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are not only delicious and easy to make, but they are also a perfect, healthy option for your next game day or movie night snack.

Close up of gluten-free buffalo cauliflower on a black plate with a dish of creamy dip.

What is Buffalo Seasoning?

Buffalo Sauce is not named for the animal, but for the city. The city of Buffalo, New York is where Buffalo chicken wings (try my Buffalo Chicken Thighs) are said to be invented. Buffalo sauce is a cayenne pepper & vinegar-based hot sauce, like my easy homemade cayenne pepper sauce, combined with melted butter. Or in this case, coconut oil.

A black plate full of buffalo cauliflower bites with a small dish of ranch dip and carrot and celery sticks.

What You're Going to Love About This Recipe

There is so much to love about these crisp, spicy little bites!

First, they're baked instead of deep-fried, so you're cutting out a lot of fat and calories, not to mention the greasy cleanup.

Second, they are made with chickpea flour, which is not only gluten-free but also protein and nutrient-packed. You can snack away on these tasty morsels guilt-free.

Finally, everyone is going to love them! These are a crowd pleasing, tasty appetizer that disappear fast.

Here's What You Need To Make These!

Cauliflower

I used a small head of cauliflower, which, when cut into florets, yields about 3 cups. This recipe makes enough batter and sauce for a large head of cauliflower if that's what you have. (You may need more than one baking sheet, though)

Chickpea Flour

Chickpea flour works especially well in this recipe, and in any recipe where you are coating something in batter. The chickpea batter bakes up tender, yet crisp and tastes delicious.

Hot Sauce

Although you can use any hot sauce, they are not all the same. For the most authentic buffalo cauliflower, use a vinegar based sauce, like this homemade cayenne hot sauce, or Franks Redhot. I try to avoid "wing" sauces, because they usually contain artificial butter flavour.

Coconut Oil

Instead of butter, this recipe has coconut oil. It doesn't impart any noticeable coconut flavour and it means that these yummy appetizers can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether they are vegan, non-dairy, or gluten-free, we have them covered.

The ingredients to make this recipe on a wooden cutting board. — Recipe Ingredients

How To Make Gluten-Free Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Steps one through four to make this recipe. — Gluten-Free Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe: Steps 1-4

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt.

Step 2

Add water and whisk until you have a smooth batter.

Step 3

Add cauliflower florets to the batter and stir well to coat every piece with batter.

Step 4

Using your fingers, or tongs, shake off any excess batter. Place the cauliflower pieces, spaced apart, on the prepared baking sheet.

Gluten-Free Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe: Steps 5-8

Step 5

Bake the cauliflower 30 minutes, turning halfway through. Remove from the oven

Step 6

Whisk together the hot sauce and coconut oil.

Step 7

Add the baked cauliflower florets to the hot sauce mixture and stir to coat each piece

Step 8

Return the hot sauce coated cauliflower pieces to the baking sheet, again, spaced apart. Return to the oven and bake 15 minutes further.

Close up of buffalo cauliflower bites on a black plate with a small dish of ranch dip.

Pro Tips For Perfect Buffalo Bites

Cut the cauliflower florets about 2-3 inches (about 2 bites) for the best texture.
Don't over-coat the pieces. Each cauliflower floret needs just a thin coating of batter to ensure that they will be crisp when they're baked. After tossing the florets in the batter, shake off any excess batter before you place them on the baking sheet.
Use a hot oven. A hot oven will quickly crisp the outsides without overcooking the cauliflower pieces.
Line the baking sheet with foil. Don't use parchment, which isn't rated for oven temperatures above 420°
Spray the foil-lined baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Don't crowd the pieces, spread them out on the baking sheet with space between them.
Turn the cauliflower pieces halfway through the first baking time to ensure even crisping.
These cauliflower bites are best served right away.

Recipe FAQs

Can you use another flour instead of chickpea flour?

Chickpea flour is perfect for battered recipes like this buffalo cauliflower, but you can use any other gluten-free flour or blend, or even all-purpose flour if you aren't gluten sensitive.

Can you make these in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make cauliflower bites in the air fryer. Cook them for 10 minutes at 400°. Then coat them in the buffalo sauce and cook for a further 5 minutes.

How can I make Buffalo cauliflower bites less spicy (or more spicy)?

Of course, you can expect any buffalo sauce recipe, including this one, to have a kick of spicy heat. However, if you prefer a milder version, just increase the amount of coconut oil and reduce the amount of hot sauce. Do the opposite if you're looking for MORE heat.

Gluten-Free Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

What is Buffalo Seasoning?

What You're Going to Love About This Recipe